James Sowards was born on July 9, 1936 in Dorton, Kentucky.  He passed away on August 1, 2023 at the age of 87 in Van Buren Twp, Michigan.

James is survived by beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Juanita Sowards; daughter, Jacquelin Lynn (Mark) Biro; son, James Lauren (Kim) Sowards; step-son, Tim Mizell; step-daughter, Andrea (John) Lumsden; grandchildren: Jimmy, Erin, Caitlyn, Sandra, Tim, Aaron, Ainsley; great-grandchildren: Maci Lynn, Everly, Mason, Preston, Jake, Avery.  He is preceded in death by parents, James and Maude Sowards.